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Local kids will be racing robots and building solar-powered plant watering sensors as part of Toowoomba Regional Council’s free activities these school holidays, which aim to build vital digital skills.

Toowoomba Regional Council secured the workshops, which include coding and circuit sessions, as part of TRC’s free September school holiday program that will run from September 18 – 29.

Council’s 11 libraries around the region will be offering budding school kids the chance to code, circuit and create ‘stuff’ that will capture imaginations and let their creativity run free as part of Telstra’s Maker Party in a Box.

“We’ve had tremendous interest from the community in the past with our digital activities and we want to give children the opportunity to build on skills from previous school holiday sessions, “Cr Ramia said.

“The Telstra Maker Party in a Box sessions will help our kids learn about coding and most importantly empower them to be confident, tech-savvy future leaders of our region,” Cr Ramia said.

TRC’s school holiday program is also offering kids the chance to make their own glittery bath fizzers, test their culinary skills with solar cooking or take part in the Gory Games.

“We’ve offered a great mix of free activities for kids across the region at our libraries to help take the stress off parents and keep everyone entertained these September school holidays,” Cr Ramia concluded.

Duncan Armstrong, Telstra’s Community Engagement Specialist, said the workshops are part of the $500,000 Telstra Kids Fund Digital Futures program, which aims to boost technology and digital abilities in young people living in regional areas.

“Our world is changing. Around one million Australian jobs in manufacturing, administration and labouring that existed 25 years ago are no longer part of our workforce,” Mr Armstrong said.

“Technology and innovation are a central part of Australia’s future, and this program is about building these abilities in our local young people – we want Toowoomba kids to catch the digital bug.

“Why a digital maker party? Because it’s fun. Toowoomba kids will be using computer code to program a range of robots to move and interact, they’ll build Makey Makey electrical circuits to create musical instruments.

“They’ll be learning essential digital skills and having a blast while doing it.”

A full schedule of activities available at each library can be found at www.tr.qld.gov.au

Bookings essential and age restrictions apply.

For more information, or to book please contact Council 131 872 or visit www.tr.qld.gov.au